So for the last three years, Cohen and his wife, Deborah, have been going green. From geothermal for heating and cooling to solar panels for electricity, the Cohen residence on West Road in Oneida is setting an example.

“It keeps things local, keeps money in America. It creates jobs,” Alan Cohen said. “I don’t see the downside at all. It’s good for the economy, good for the environment, good for our health and good for our wallets.”

The Cohens aren’t alone.

In recent years, the cost of installation equipment has gone down and government incentives have gone up, enticing more residents and farmers to go solar.

The number of completed solar projects in New York more than doubled from 2011 to 2012, from 1,041 in 2011 to 2,185 in 2012, according to the state Energy Research and Development Authority.

Similar trends can be seen in Herkimer, Oneida and Madison counties. In 2011, 19 projects were completed within the three counties; in 2012, there were 65.

“It’s kind of a perfect storm to check out solar,” said Jake DiBari, marketing manager for CNY Solar in Canastota, during a recent public presentation at the New Hartford Library.

Costs decreasing

CNY Solar is visiting communities in the Mohawk Valley to give presentations for its Go Solar Mohawk Valley initiative, which will allow interested residents — geared toward homes and farms — to benefit from a group purchasing program that would lower the cost even more.

“The cost of solar panels has decreased dramatically over the last three years. The cost of materials has come down,” DiBari said.

He said there also are good incentives from the state Energy Research and Development Authority as well as federal and state tax credits.

“You take all those things together and it will pay close to 60 percent of the install cost,” he said. “A typical installation four years ago might have been $15,000 out of pocket for the customer, and today that same installation is under $10,000.”

“Basically, you’re getting energy for free from the sun,” he said. “It’s always been interesting for me; it was whether or not it was affordable for us to do.”

A similar program earlier this year was instituted in Madison County, DiBari said, and about 40 new customers signed up within two months.

Jeff Williams, manager of governmental relations at the state Farm Bureau, said the last year or two there’s been a trend toward solar for farmers because of the lower cost and incentives offered as well.

“It really did help on the electric bill; $700 (per month) before and now down to $350 to $150 depending on the sunshine and the time of year and all that stuff,” she said. “We decided that we’d probably get a 5½-to-six-year return on our investment.”

Kearns said there are several other farmers in the towns of Deerfield and Trenton who’ve also gone solar.

While Alan Cohen doesn’t anticipate as quick a return on his investment — probably more like 10 years — he said that those planning on staying in their home for a longer period of time will get the return.

“Everything I’ve done is going to be cost-efficient and save money,” said Cohen, who also is a candidate for Oneida City Council’s First Ward running against Republican incumbent Brahim Zogby. “But immediately it does something to reduce the carbon footprint.”

As for those who are concerned with the costs prior to receiving the benefits, and those who still aren’t sure about shelling out several thousand dollars for a system, Cohen said it’s worth it.

“It does require an investment upfront, but in the long run it will significantly reduce the costs that you would pay for energy,” he said.

GOING SOLAR

The number of solar installations in the Mohawk Valley, including residential and non-residential buildings.